Once the reserve of young backpackers and top end package tourists Thailand is becoming an ever more popular place for families to take a holiday. Many former backpackers are returning with their children while for others Thaiand is an aventure for the whole family.

As a long-term resident of Thailand I have had numerous requests for guidance on taking children to Thailand. These requests came first from other families who were being assigned by my employers to work in Thailand but it soon became apparent there was a need for a guide giving information to families visiting Thailand for their holidays; this then is how I came to write this guide. 

I’m sure you probably know already there is not a lot of useful information on this subject available, the guide books still cater for young single backpackers and those top end package tourists; you will also be aware that the worst worry of all is the worry of not knowing. 

I initially wrote to help our own visitors find their way around Bangkok; That simple guide proved to be very popular and was soon being passed around on the internet, it wasn’t long before I received a stream of emails from people I had never heard of who where seeking advice on a family holiday in Thailand.  Their questions fell into the now obvious categories of Transport, Accommodation, Food, Health and Things to Do.

These then are the main chapters of this guide to which I have added as much information as I feel is necessary to help you as a parent take control of your own holiday. It is important to note that the information I have added is purely from my personal experience of living, working and raising two children in Thailand, it is therefore very subjective, but I also hope considered and measured advice.

I have tried to address all the concerns parents have before coming to Thailand but I have also added to that a host of other advice that I know from personal experience is very relevant. My byword in writing this guide has been ‘Inform with Health and Safety First’

So Thailand4Kids will provide you with information on booking flights, getting the right seats on the aircraft and traveling long haul with your children. There is advice on essential documentation, guidance on accommodation, how to book your own accommodation and how to go about choosing where to stay.

I have included a chapter on food which covers recommended food for kids, where to buy food and importantly food hygiene and food additives.

You’ll find information on local transport in Thailand, trains planes, busses and boats; Advice on car hire and driving in Thailand; Suggestions of things to do and places to visit.

The chapter on money doesn’t just cover likely costs and how to access your money in Thailand but also includes instructions on how to use a Thai ATM and the surprisingly important bank etiquette.

There is a whole chapter on safety and security that points out the risks and gives you very simple practical advice on how to avoid the main problems.

I’ve added guidance on the important cultural issues you need to be aware of, not just a list of things not to do so as to avoid an offence but guidance in each chapter on where a cultural issue might arise.

And of course there is health care, which includes help for you, not just in getting the right treatment but also in understanding how the Thai medical system works and what you can expect to experience should you need to call on the service.  I have included a information, on common ailments and a very simple set of rules of when you really must seek medical advice.

The chapter ‘If Things Go Wrong’ is unique to Thailand4Kids and provides very detailed help if you are unfortunate enough to have any serious problems in Thailand. The chapter includes practical advice on preparing for problems before they arise and in getting the best help should you need it. This advice is not simply a list of things to do and not do, but is based on personal experience and includes information on the cultural aspects of getting help.

Thailand4Kids really is written for families, it addresses real issues and does so in a way that informs you so that you can make the choices you need to make in order to enjoy a safe and I am quite sure, memorable holiday in what is a fabulous country.

One last word

Don’t be put off buying Thailand4Kids if you are going on a package tour, this guide includes information your tour operator will not tell you, including how to go about escaping their organized tours.

With regards and Safe Happy Travels

Ryan King

February 2005